The person-environment relationship in the process of finitude

Objective: To understand the relationship between caregivers and patients who are undergoing the process of finitude with the environment where they are during this process. Method: This is a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research. According to the saturation criterion, there were 19 participants: 10 patients (5 in palliative care at home and 5 in curative care in Intensive Care Units - ICU) and 9 relatives of the respective patients. They responded to a narrative interview, which is characterized as an instrument that makes it possible to understand how the participant perceives and experiences the environment around her/him. For the analysis of the material, the interview was interpreted through textual analysis using the Iramuteq software. Results: The results indicated great adversities in the process of finitude in both environments: ICU and home; however, the family environment is seen as promoting quality of life and of death with dignity by patients, due to the support network offered by family and friends. Conclusion: the person-environment relationship in the process of finitude is characterized by affections and meanings, and needs to be taken into account as a facilitator of quality of life.